Upon its release, “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised its adherence to the source material and the performances of the cast, particularly Jack Kesy’s portrayal of Hellboy, which brought a fresh yet familiar take on the character. However, others criticized the film’s production quality, with some fans expressing disappointment over what they perceived as a low-budget appearance. The trailer, released prior to the film, faced backlash on social media, with viewers likening it to a “Saturday Night Live” spoof and commenting on its fan-made feel.

Financially, the film faced challenges, grossing approximately $2 million in international markets against a production budget of $20 million. This modest box office performance underscores the difficulties in rebooting beloved franchises, especially when previous iterations, such as Guillermo del Toro’s adaptations, have set high expectations among fans. Despite the involvement of Hellboy’s original creator, Mike Mignola, in the screenplay, the film struggled to resonate with a broader audience.

In summary, “Hellboy: The Crooked Man” attempts to reinvigorate the Hellboy franchise by returning to its horror roots and delivering a narrative steeped in folklore and dark fantasy. While it offers a fresh perspective and remains faithful to the tone of the original comics, the film’s reception highlights the inherent challenges in reimagining a character with a dedicated fanbase and the fine balance required to meet both creative aspirations and audience expectations.